VANCOUVER — When the Devils drafted Adam Larsson fourth overall in the 2011 NHL entry draft, most envisioned a defenseman who could put some points on the board.

But few would have seen Larsson’s recent transition into more of a defensive-minded defenseman who has even added a physical element to his game.

"I think Adam came into the league and everyone saw some offensive instincts," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. "We gave him a chance to play in some offensive situations. As his three or four years in the organization have come, not just at the NHL level but at the American League level, some guys have passed him in those offensive situations. The (Eric) Gelinas of the world, even Jon Merrill and (Damon) Severson coming in.

"I think, to his credit, he's figured out, 'I'd better find another niche and another way for me to be effective and get some minutes here.' I give him all the credit in the world because the guys that adapt in order to find ice time and change their game, that's not an easy thing to do. He deserves full marks for that."

Larsson, who admits he has concentrated on defense in order to try to stay in the lineup, has become an effective shot blocker. He has also been used as a penalty-killer.

“Yeah, a little bit. I want to be a two-way defenseman, so you have to do what the coaches want you to do,” Larsson said. “I have to take pride in playing offensively and defensively.”

He admits he never saw this coming.

That is not to say that he will ever become a stay-at-home defenseman who doesn’t think about offense.

“No. I don’t think I’ve lost any offensive skills. Whatever they want to use me for, power play or penalty kill, I’ll buy in either way,” Larsson said. “Once you’re in and feel confident, you can be more aggressive.”

In Friday night’s victory over the Edmonton Oilers, Larsson blocked three shots.

The next night in Calgary, he had three more blocked shots and also had an assist.

While he has been outspoken at times about his displeasure in being a healthy scratch, Larsson is not a complainer. Asked if it has been a difficult battle trying to win DeBoer's faith, Larsson pondered the question.

“It depends on how you want to see it,” he said. “I think the game speaks for itself. If you play good, they have trust in you. If not, you’re going to be sitting up there in the stands. That’s the bottom line. I think so far I’ve gotten a lot of PK minutes that have helped me to get my head in the right spot.”

And he vows that the best is yet to come.

“Me, I stay positive all the time,” Larsson said. “It will take a while, especially for a young D-man coming into the league. Some guys make it right away and some don’t.”